Bug Repellent Mason Jar Luminaries
Create beautiful Luminaries using floating candles, essential oils, and fresh herbs to keep those pesky bugs away. Summer evenings are perfect for spending time outdoors, but those mosquitos love me, which equals days of itching. Not anymore with these beautiful luminaries that give a gorgeous glow to your garden and help keep the bugs at bay.
This post was updated on June 19,2024
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Supplies
Mason Jars
2 slices of lemon
1 small lime sliced
2 sprigs of Lavender or rosemary sprigs
10 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus Oil or lemongrass essential oil
10 drops of Peppermint essential oil
10 drops Tea Tree Oil essential oil
10 drops of Citronella Oil
Floating Disc Candles or tea lights
lemongrass, cinnamon, citronella, and oregano are also known to keep mosquitos away
Instructions:
Prepare the Jars
Ensure they are clean and dry before you begin.
Add Citrus and Herbs
Slice the citrus fruits (fresh lemons and limes) into thin rounds. Add a couple of slices to each mason jar. Follow with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary. The combination of citrus and herbs adds a pleasant fragrance and is a natural bug repellent.
Add Essential Oils
Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to each jar. You can mix and match or choose your favorite bug-repelling oils. Lavender, eucalyptus, lemon, and citronella are known for their bug-repellent properties and pleasant scents.
Fill with Water
Fill the jars with water, leaving about an inch of space at the top. The water helps to diffuse the essential oils and keeps the herbs and citrus fresh.
Add Candles
Place a floating candle or a tea light on top of the water. If you’re using a tea light, you may need to adjust the water level so it sits just right.
Decorate (Optional)
For an added touch of charm, tie a piece of twine or ribbon around the mouth of the jar. You can also add tags or labels if you’re making these as gifts or fresh or faux flowers.
Light and Enjoy:
When evening falls, light candles and place them on a patio table. The gentle light will create a beautiful ambiance, and the combination of natural ingredients will become a natural insect repellent keeping away those pesky mosquitos without commercial bug sprays and no harmful substances.
Tips and Variations:
- Herb Combinations: Experiment with different combinations of herbs. Basil, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, and oregano are natural mosquito repellents.
- Jar Sizes: Use different sizes of mason jars to create an interesting display. Smaller jars can be used for individual table settings, while larger jars can be placed around the garden.
- Outdoor Use: These luminaries are perfect for outdoor dining, garden parties, or simply relaxing on the patio or your morning coffee.
- Gift Idea: These repellent jars are a beautiful way to make thoughtful handmade gifts. Prepare a set and gift them to friends and family who love spending time outdoors.
If you’re looking for essential oils to keep bugs away, I have the perfect blog post for you here!
If you are looking for more of a decorative way to illuminate the outdoors try this fun mason jar luminary. Simply add the faux flowers, top the mason jar off with water, and add the floating candle.
As always, keep out of the reach of small children
So pretty! I’ve been meaning to make up some of those too. I just love your outdoor space!
Oh my gosh! What a brilliant idea! The bugs have been SO bad here this year, I cannot wait to give these a try!
I have attempted a few of you decorating ideas. I am so proud of my self now. I will continue to do so. You are so inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
That makes my heart happy, thank you!
Such a pretty and brilliant idea! I would love to have you come and join Centerpiece Wednesday Linky Party and share your idea with us.
https://karinskottage.com/2020/07/centerpiece-wednesday-party-time.html
Karin
Thank you so much!
These are lovely, Kirstin, and the one with the rose at the bottom of the post is so pretty, too! Pinned, and excited to be able to feature you tomorrow at TTA! Thanks for sharing! BTW, my niece has the same issues with mosquitos that you do.. this summer, she started using lavender oil on her body, and it seems to have really helped! Even lavender lotion seems to keep them at bay!
You are so sweet, thank you! They are even worse this year, I’ll have to try the lavender on my body, thanks for the tip!!! xo
This is not only a great idea, but a beautiful one as well! I have everything at home except for the citronella. I’m definitely going to try this. I hope you share this with Charming Homes and Gardens Link Party this week.
https://shiplapandshells.com/charming-homes-gardens-link-party-18/
Thank you so much Kim!
I’m assuming that the lavender should be fresh. Can I used dried if I can’t find fresh?
Hi Judi, absolutely, lavender’s fragrance is what keeps the mosquitoes away. So you could use essential oil as well. Let me know how it turns out 🙂
What a beautiful idea for outdoor lighting and insect control.
Happy Summer,
Kippi
Thank you Kippi!